Helsinki Jokers @ Tapiola Donuts

The Tapiola Donuts decided on the first of December, 1996, to forfeit their game against the Helsinki Jokers. In practice, this means that the Jokers will make it to the IFA league finals and play the ISH Huskies. The Donuts will play against the ISH Puppies for the bronze. Reasons why the Donuts did not want to play against the Jokers included missing many key players from their roster, and the inability for the Donuts to organize a game place and date. This was all bad news to the IFA league, which has recently had some serious setbacks. It is unsure if the league will continue after Christmas, and many players (especially from the Donuts) have left... But things should go well for the IFA league playoffs, which should draw more fans than the regular season games. Some comments on the forfeit:

"It wasn't a good move by the Donuts (to forfeit the game). It threatens the future of this league. It is the beginning of the end of the Tapiola Donuts. Less competitive teams means a less competitive league." Vesa Mikkola, ISH Huskies

The IFA league has decided not to award any player or teams stats from the game. The only stat awarded to the Jokers was one more victory, and of course, the Donuts recieved one more loss.